The year is 2020 and Seattle has quickly grown to become one of the vampiric society's finest cities.
The Camarilla rules the city with an iron fist, ensuring the survival of the Kindred, and with it, the
rule of the Masquerade: Their existence must remain a secret to humans, and the Prince of the City sits
at the top of the hierarchy, enforcing the laws of the undead.
The clans of the Camarilla fight for power: It's a game of chess and your next move might determine
the future of all. When push comes to shove, which side will you take - and as a character with the
potential to shift the game, what will your next move be?
SOME RULES ARE UNBREAKABLE
In the past few months, the rate of newly embraced vampires have skyrocketed - most of which has
not been sanctioned by Prince Algernon: The Camarilla have worked day and night trying to track
down the one's responsible, but where one lead ends, another begins. Unable to figure out the culprits
behind the mass-embrace, the Camarilla finds itself caught between trying to restore power and ensuring
that the laws of the Masquerade are not broken - again.
A Blood Hunt has been called, and the Scourge has been sent out - and so the Caitiff are being hunted
down: Nothing but Final Death awaits them.
Why someone would ever think Bellamy capable of being in charge of fixing tonight's entertainment was beyond her ability to understand. It wasn't normally her duty, and if she never got asked to do it again, she'd be more than happy about that. And yet, here she was, her boss had called in sick and told her tonight's musician had cancelled - and oh, she had about twenty minutes to find a replacement.
"Good lord," she muttered to herself as she stepped away from the bar, calling one of the other bartenders to cover for her. Scanning the crowd, Bellamy couldn't help but to squint (it was closer to a glare, if she was being perfectly honest).
She briefly wondered if she'd be able to keep her job if she just... Left. Probably not, but then, was her job really worth the hassle? She could easily find another bartender job, right? "Fuck." She glanced around: Most of the people around were middle-aged and didn't look like they'd ever touched an instrument in their entire lives. But then, somewhere far across the other side of the venue she spotted someone her own age.
Pushing her way through the crowd, she immediately went for the edgy looking male looking like a cross between being in pain and about to shit himself - in a good way - and stepped right in his direct line of vision. "Yo, Dreadlord." She announced, waving her hand to catch his attention - as if her face being barely a few centimeters away from his didn't do the trick. "You look edgy and cool - do you play?"
Alex had crept in not ten minutes before, he was just looking forward to a few drinks and some good music tonight, a typical quiet and low stress night with no need to posture and pretend. He had put on his most mediocre black jeans and black t-shirt, something that was comfortable. He had just gotten through ordering a whiskey and making his way through the crowd to blend in when he turned and saw a god damn angel barreling towards him. His jaw practically dropped when she approached him with such a nice opener. Dreadlord? He didn't even look that bad tonight. [break][break]
"I uhm... Yes? I.. Sing and can play...?" He tilted his head, clearly thrown off by someone being so pushy towards him. Had this girl seen one of his open mics nights? Had she just picked him out and assumed that since he looked the way he did he probably could perform? He really had no idea what he was in for tonight. He took a large sip of his whiskey and visibly shook off the surprise. "So.. back up.. Who are you and why is this important?" He asked as he looked her up and down once, simply trying to take in the full picture of the rather intimidating force before him.[break][break]
He crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow, turning his cup in his hand slightly, just enough to look somewhat imposing, he was tall and that was about all he had going for him, six foot four of height and a feather of weight. Needless to say it didn't really work with how plain he was tonight.
[attr="class","note"] TAGS : Bellamy Reed [BREAK] WORD COUNT : 280
"Nevermind that." She said quickly, waving her hand dismissively. "This is your lucky night!" A broad smile spread over her lips and her hands clasped together. Now, she could either charm him - or intimidate him into getting up on the stage. She figured, if he could both sing and play, and admitted to it so easily, there was no chance he had any stage fright, right?
It was only when he crossed his arms and raising his brow at her that Bellamy finally took a moment to realize: This dude was a fucking giant. Like, he was over half a head taller than her. Well, then. Crossing her own arms, she jerked her chin forward and tipped her head back to look up at him, mimicking his own quirked brow. She jerked her thumb over her shoulder, hoping she was aiming for the stage somewhere behind her. "You're up in fifteen. This is your moment to shine, Rock Star."
...now that she thought about it, she hadn't paid much attention to where the stage was.
With that, Bellamy's attempt at looking intimidating fell and a sheepish expression replaced it. She quickly looked over her shoulder to make sure she'd been pointing in the right direction: She hadn't. Instead, she had been gesturing towards the toilets. "Err." She uttered with a grimace. "Not there. For the love of god, don't shine in there." She could almost hear her boss yelling at her. "The stage. I meant the stage." She turned pleading eyes in his direction, attempting her best 'puppy eyes' face. She even made sure to push her lower lip out a little, making it softly tremble. "Please?"
His face was probably enough to betray his disbelief, was this girl serious? He was expected to perform tonight, not that he was ever in a position to turn down a gig he hadn't really been expecting it. He followed her motion and felt his face flush a dark red. What the hell was she implying? A bathroom in a club that usually only meant one thing and that was not something that he was about. "Now hold the, pardon my italian, fuck on, I dunno what you're into but I am a much more expensive date than that." [break][break]
He noticed however she quickly backtracked, atleast she wasn't hinting at getting a busy in a club, he breathed a visible sigh of relief as he held his hands up defensively, she had won. "As long as its a stage sure but I have one demand, a drink after the show." He wasn't usually fond of last minute performances but he would do it, especially because she seemed like she was fierce enough to make him. He was always a sucker for the damn puppy dog eyes though. "What kinda sound did you want. I usually like a bit of Rock or nu metal... but I can perform different things." [break][break]
He understood that if she was this desperate that she probably had a gig cancel on her, and sometimes they wanted a certain kind of sound. He was already racking his brain for ideas of what to put on that stage, his legs were already moving towards it slowly, his eyes darting back to her to take this all in. So much for his quiet night.
[attr="class","note"] TAGS : Bellamy Reed [BREAK] WORD COUNT : 283
At his acceptance, Bellamy's expression exploded into a huge, victorious grin. Had she been anywhere else that wasn't her place of work, she might even have done a victorious arm pump. She somehow managed not to do it, though. "Wonderful!" She exclaimed, "A drink on the house." She nodded, but quickly added under her breath, "and a trip to the bathroom, because you're not as expensive as you think."
Before giving him much of a chance to reply, though, Bellamy hooked her arm with his and grinned up at him. "You can play whatever you want. Chances are, people are too drunk to pay much attention anyway - I mean, heck, you could do a strip tease for all I care." Her boss would probably care, but then, her boss hadn't said anything about not hiring someone to strip.
"Is there anything you need before you get on? I don't know where anything is, so I won't be of much help." She furrowed her brows as if in deep thought. "There's probably a few instruments backstage - to tell you the truth, I've only been there once before and trust me, I was not paying attention to the instruments." Her brows then, as if remembering, "Well, at least not musical instruments, if you catch my drift." Chuckling to herself, she turned her head to look back up at him, offering him a quick wink.
"Come on, then Rock Star." She started moving forward, pulling at their interlocked arms as she did. "But no fondling until after the show is over, okay?" She continued, this time purposely louder. "You have to earn your keep."
For a moment he relaxed, his condition was met and just as he did his eyes widened and he opened his mouth to protest, but was quickly silenced, She hooked her arm with his and he was pretty much drug off to her whims. Not that he was fully complaining but jesus did this girl have a gentle mode or was she max at all times, hell was this even her max? "Oh you better believe If I do a strip tease I'm working for tips." he input his attempt at a joke, but did she really not care what he did.[break][break]
Well that helped him more or less decide what he wanted to do. "I mean if theres a decent guitar back there that would....what do you mean not musical instruments what the hell do you have back there?" He felt his face darken again as the blood rushed to it. The winking, the innuendo and jesus the girl were making it a little bit hard to focus. He had never been in a position like this "Shit do you need a song or a set even?" He was fine with either, he just was at a complete loss for all of this. [break][break]
After all of this, he was absolutely positive this was some giant karmic joke. He took a deep breath and moved with her, bracing his poor little heart for all of this. He looked at the stage and thought a moment, that thought was quickly broken "Holy shit theres gonna be fondling?" He was genuinely shocked at the entire notion of all of this.
[attr="class","note"] TAGS : Bellamy Reed [BREAK] WORD COUNT : 272
"Hey, as long as you don't mind getting tipped by mostly middle-aged men, go for it." She quipped with a shrug. If the man wanted to strip, the man wanted to strip. Who was she to stand in his way? Maybe she'd actually get interested in the entertainment here for a change.
It took every ounce of her willpower to stop herself from laughing. It seemed like it was far too easy to rile the poor guy up: Perhaps he wasn't as used to someone quite as forward as she was, but then, that was hardly a new thing. Few seemed to be used to her - and even fewer seemed to get used to her. "It's not something I have." Rather than explaining, Bellamy cast a quick glance towards the guy's crotch before turning her gaze forward again. "Sing or play whatever you want."
Leading him towards the small door next to the stage, Bellamy laughed. "Only if you want to, babe." While she kept her arm interlocked with his, she used her other to fish out a set of keys from her pocket. Unlocking the door, she opened it and gestured for him to walk through. "This is the backstage area." She quickly explained.
Finally letting go of his arm, she leaned inside to flick the dim lights on and closed the door behind them when they'd both entered. Inside there was a small room with a worn couch, a few boxes and some instruments. The mic was already set up on the stage and as far as Bellamy knew, the instruments were all connected to the speakers. Plumping down on the couch, Bellamy leaned back. Pursing her lips, she looked at the various instruments with a shrug. "Why is it so hot back here." A quick glance around the room revealed there was no windows. In one smooth movement, Bellamy pulled her sweater over her head and tossed it to her side, revealing a black tank top that reached to right above her naval.
He made his best effort to give a laugh, though it came out pretty dry "Hilarious, middle aged men would probably adore me." He for a brief moment was able to breathe and then was snapped to attention once again, noticing the shift in her gaze. His eyes widened and he fumble for some sort of words to actually say. Thank god for skin tight pants was about the only thing he could have even thought at the moment. He was actually pretty much in shock over this person right now, he was actually pretty sure he was also dreaming but that was another point entirely.[break][break]
He was lead backstage and let his eyes go over everything, he searched for a guitar and found a decent looking black one, he made sure it was set up and moved it to the edge of the curtain so it would be easy for him to access. He turned back to her just in time to see her toss her sweater. Well he had never been so interested in a belly button before but his eyes shot to it like it was the absolute most interesting thing in the world. [break][break]
"...I... Uhm.. God you're really pretty?" He was mentally kicking himself for ending that like it was a question, he just had no idea what he should be saying right now. Atleast he had decided on a few songs, just three, he figured that would be decent enough entertainment, and at the moment that was about all he could focus on. There was this girl with gigantic balls and was about as forward as one could be. He was in over his head with the entire situation. "So are you always this uhm.... Forward? Vulgar?"
[attr="class","note"] TAGS : Bellamy Reed [BREAK] WORD COUNT : 295
A smile splayed over the brunette's lips at the boy's obvious shock. She couldn't really blame him, though. It wasn't rare for people to react to her this way. She knew she was forward and 'up in your face'. She had come to terms with it and quite honestly? She didn't mind whoever liked it and whoever didn't. "I'm sure they would." She mused.
Furrowing her brows at his reaction, Bellamy shook her head slowly. "What else is new?" She fired back, eyebrows quickly rising in amusement. This guy's complete lack of tact (not that she was much better, mind you) was rather amusing. In a way, Bellamy supposed it was somewhat refreshing. He continued then and Bellamy couldn't help the laugh that exploded past her lips, "Firstly, yes, I usually am, and secondly, how is taking off my sweater vulgar?"
Leaning forward, Bellamy rested her elbows atop her knees, interlocking her fingers as she rested her chin against them. "Just so you don't get your panties in a twist, I took off my sweater because it's hot in here, not because I'm makin' a move on you, Rock Star." Her tone remained amused, as with her expression. "Don't worry, Sugar Cake, I'm not in the business of taking advantage of someone who panics at the word 'fondling'."
Her gaze lifted to the clock on the wall above him and let out a tsk, "Ten minutes." She looked at him once more, her head tilting. "Unless you want me to, of course." She added quickly, a grin splaying over her lips. She was mostly kidding.
Yep, Totally in over his head. He swallowed a lump in his throat as he leaned against one of the walls, his brows knitting in confusion. It was rare to actually meed a confidant person in this day and age. Most people had something they were insecure about but she really didn't seem like she did. He envied it in some ways, he knew he was insecure about a lot of things. He felt a little bit of the mask he usually put on dropping. Maybe this was someone he was ok to be himself around? Or he could not be so stupid. [break][break]
He rubbed his forehead with his thumb for a moment and pulled a face. "I mean you've talked about fondling, you've made a glance at my crotch. Not to mention the whole bathroom thing.. Can't say I've met many.. any. Women that are that forward short of asking 'wanna hook up'." He was honestly thrown for a loop by her, and the next words out of her mouth didn't help, he actually thrust his arms forward, making a large motion to her. "THAT! See that right there! Now as a guy I definitely want you to, don't get me wrong, but hell aren't I supposed to take you out to like dinner?" [break][break]
he ran both hands over his face wiping them as he slung the guitar around his shoulders, fiddling with it to make sure it was in tune and god to give him anything to do with his hands. She was drop dead gorgeous and the personality wasn't off putting at all, he actually liked how blunt she was. He was gonna have to frequent this place from now on. There were a few minutes of silence from him and he turned and made his way to the stage, deciding to get this done with. He cast a look back at her however and decided on one thing, maybe a shot at getting even? [break][break]
Before he went on stage he stripped his t-shirt from his body and tossed it to the table. [break][break]
He opened with two covers of songs he liked. fast guitars and a good vocal range to show it off, his closing song though was one of his own. "Record scratch; Steve Miller band Tattooed necks and tattooed hands Oh, how don't you drown in a rain storm? Fresh regrets, vodka sweats The sun is down and we're bound to get exhausted And so far from the shore." His voice rang out and people actually seemed to like his set. He gave a thank you and retreated back to the back room,
"Yes." She replied with a nod. "I said no fondling." It was obvious that Bellamy was incredibly amused by this whole situation. How could she not be? She was basically talking to someone who seemed as easily flustered as she was amused. As he continued with his ramble, Bellamy simply grinned at him. "I'm not really that hungry." She responded, looking out into the air as she was thinking really hard about it. "But I mean... I'd be stupid to say no to a free meal... Hmm." She considered it for a moment. "But then, you might be a murderer. Free food. Getting killed." She tapped her finger against her cheek, as if in deep thought. "Eh, I'll take my chances."
It was rather obvious that this guy had handled instruments before. He checked the guitar with practiced ease and seemed rather comfortable doing so, too. As he made his way towards the stage, he looked back at her, a curious expression on his face that she couldn't quite place. Then, as if finally finding his courage, the young man stripped off his t-shirt and tossed it to the table. "Now we're talking." She laughed cheerfully, clapping her hands together.
As he started performing, Bellamy found herself impressed. He was much better than what she had expected him to, and from the sound of the applause, it seemed like the crowd really liked him too. Perhaps Bellamy had been so lucky she could actually use this for a raise: And perhaps the young man could secure himself a gig here from now on, too.
When he returned, Bellamy still sat on the couch, her feet planted atop the armrest and her head propped up behind her head. "You ready for that free drink, Sugar Cake?" She asked: She wasn't about to give his ego a combing, after all. He probably already knew how good he was and didn't need her telling him. Not in so many words, after all. "If you keep that up, you might secure yourself a weekly gig here." Pushing herself up and off the couch, Bellamy grabbed her sweater and tied it around her hips. "Come on."
The elation from performing was still buzzing through his body, it was like electricity in his veins and as he walked to the back room it was evident that this had brought him to life a bit more. He nodded as he set the guitar down, picking his shirt up and wiping the sweat off his brow. He opted to put it over his shoulder rather than back on. The lights and the adrenaline made it hot as hell up there. He chuckled a bit at what he could only guess was her approval of the show. A weekly gig huh? That actually sounded like something he could get behind. [break][break]
He watched as she got up, he moved to the door that lead them back out to the club, opening it for her and giving a small motion for her to exit, he wasn't trying to be particularly chivalrous, he opened doors for pretty much everyone. He did however made a beeline to the bar, a few people giving a bit of praise to him as he slid by, he cast a few glances back to see if she was still on course with him. [break][break]
He approached the bar and thought for a moment, he usually liked a whiskey or a rum, but today he was in a good mood, this was a break from the normal and it was kinda what he needed. "Get me whatever you usually like...and if you dont drink.. Get me what you'd consider drinking.." He tapped his fingers against his leg, feeling the energy in him bubbling, this was the time he felt the most alive and it was actually a welcome change. "So. About that Dinner. What are you doing Friday night?" He figured he was in a bold enough move, may as well shoot his shot.
It was always fascinating to see someone do what they truly loved. It brought out a kind of life in them that wasn't easily replicated. There was few things in life that Bellamy herself was that passionate about and sometimes, she found herself envious of those who had found something that they loved that much.
Perfectly arched eyebrows rose as he opened the door for her like a proper gentleman. Still, she didn't comment on it and simply offered him a smile as she passed through the door and moved back into the busy room of the club. With practiced ease, she moved through the crowd and towards the bar, entering it and making her way towards the shelf where all the bottles stood.
The brunette turned her head over her shoulder to look at him. Normally, it was easy for her to peg someone for what they'd order, but she found it oddly hard to figure out what this one would normally drink. Thankfully, she didn't have to guess and the guy made it rather easy for her. What she'd normally drink? Well, then. Seemed like they were in for a rather interesting night.
Reaching for her preferred bottle of tequila, Bellamy fished out the biggest shot glass she could find. Placing the bottle on the bar before him as well as the shot glass, Bellamy laughed. "Normally people become that bold after a few drinks." She said as she poured the liquid into the glass. Placing the bottle back on the counter, she pulled a pen from behind the counter and reached for his hand. "Apparently I'm having dinner with you." She said, waiting for him to give her his hand so she could write down her number on the palm of his hand. "And you better bring your wallet, because I'm no salad kind of gal."
He watched her work, he always enjoyed watching people making drinks, It was something he had zero idea of how to do, when at home he just tossed some rum in a Dr.Pepper and that was that. It was an art he hadn't quite yet managed to perfect but he wanted to. He smirked a little bit at the choice of drink though. Tequila, his mother always had a certain saying about it. "I'd be a real dick If I only asked you on a date after several drinks. May as well have the balls to do it sober for fear of being disrespectful." He chuckled slightly and let his fingertips touch the glass once the drink was poured. "Apparently you are." There was a certain tone to his voice, almost flirtatious but in a very matter of fact way.[break][break]
He extended his left hand to her and his right picked up the glass as he tossed his chin up slightly and drank the burning liquid in one go. "Don't worry, I wouldnt have asked If I pegged you for the chicken salad dressing on the side type. Not my style, I fully expect a date to get a beer and ribs or something equally as non salad like." There was a chuckle that escaped his lips. "Full disclosure I fully expect this to be a fake number, I've done it to people before so I know I'm due to get it back one day."[break][break]
[attr="class","note"] TAGS : Bellamy Reed [BREAK] WORD COUNT : 253
"Eh." She shrugged, "Chivalry is dead my friend, and while most would appreciate it in the long run, you're still a dying breed." Not that she was any better, of course. In fact, she was probably one of the worse people out there. Quirking an amused eyebrow in his direction, Bellamy chuckled. It seemed he grew more and more comfortable around her. Good.
Noting down her number in the middle of his palm, Bellamy only lifted her gaze after she'd finished. "I might be a bitch, but I'm not a liar." She said, pursing her lips in amusement. "Besides, if I didn't want to give you my number, I'd just say no." She'd never understand why some people thought dragging people along were better than just telling them they weren't interested.
"Ah, ribs." She could almost feel the taste of them in her mouth already. "My biggest weakness." Placing the palm of her hand over her heart, Bellamy fluttered her eyes in a dramatic manner. "Be still my beating heart."
